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Tag: Whistler Brewing Company

Long day playing in the powder? Head straight to après and order a beer. Sweltering summer day? Grab a spot on a patio and get thee a pint. Filling time during shoulder season? Better pair those back-t0-back ski flicks with a cold one.

Since Whistler and beer fit oh-so-perfectly together, it simply makes sense that the local beer culture is strong and proud. In fact, there’s more to beer in Whistler than you might know:

Case One: The Whistler Brewing Company

Tucked away south of Whistler Village in Function Junction is Whistler’s own brewing company, where beers with locally inspired names (like Black Tusk Ale and Powder Mountain Lager) are being brewed seven days a week. For 25 years, this craft brewery has been supplying Whistler’s pubs, bars, and liquor stores with some incredibly flavourful suds.

To get the full Whistler Brewing Company experience, head down at 2:30 PM or 4:00 PM on Tuesdays through Sundays for a behind-the-scenes tour of the factory capped off with a sampling of the brewery’s creations. You can also pop by any time to grab a pint and a bite to eat at the on-site Tap House.

Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal concoctions, like the summery Paradise Valley Grapefruit Ale (complete with dried grapefruit rind) or the infamous Whistler Winter Dunkel (it’s not ski season without it). Even those who claim not to like beer will be seduced by the Valley Trail Chestnut Ale– but you’ll have to wait until fall to try it.

Case Two: Whistler Brewhouse Restaurant

As you meander down the Whistler Village stroll, take note when you spot the infamous Olympic Rings: you’re right at the front door of one of Whistler’s best spots to grab a beer. The Whistler Brewhouse Restaurant (or, simply, the Brewhouse) brews its beer right on site– the tough part is deciding which one to order.

If you’re struggling to choose between the Grizzly Brown Ale, the Lifty Lager, the 5 Rings IPA, or any of the other tasty selections on tap, not to worry: you can always order a flight to sample them all.

As a bonus, the food at the Brewhouse is top notch, and it’s the perfect place to be no matter the season: in the summer, grab a spot on the huge, sunny patio; and in the winter, nestle up close to the wood-burning fireplace. It only makes sense that a four seasons resort would have a four seasons brew house.

Case Three: Whistler Village Beer Festival

After you’ve sampled the best of Whistler’s beer, you’ll be ready for the Big Leagues: that, of course, would be the Whistler Village Beer Festival. The four-day Festival, spanning from September 11 to 14, features 50 breweries and more than 150 different beers. Attendees can sample beers from near (26 British Columbia breweries are featured) and far (Italy, Belgium, Netherlands—the list goes on).

Taking place right in the Village, the Whistler Village Beer Festival will be the perfect way to cap off a summer of enjoying brews under the sun. Tickets are on sale now—act fast to snipe up a pair of Gate Crasher tickets, which will get you access to all of the beer an hour before the event opens to the general public.